ἐξαστράπτω
exastráptō
G1823 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
to flash forth (like lightning); to gleam or shine brilliantly, particularly with a luminous or dazzling whiteness. In context, especially of clothing or appearance, to blaze with light, radiate brightness, or sparkle intensely, evocative of the sudden brilliance of lightning; occasionally used figuratively for extraordinary radiance or magnificence.
Semantic Range
to flash forth (as lightning), to emit dazzling radiance or brilliance, to sparkle intensely, to shine with supernatural or overwhelming brightness
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ἐκ ('out of, from') and the verb ἀστράπτω ('to flash, to gleam, especially like lightning'). The compound conveys the sense of emitting a flash outward, emphasizing a strong, outward-directed radiance.
Historical & Contextual Notes
First attested in Hellenistic Greek; rare outside biblical and related religious texts. In the New Testament, used to describe the appearance of heavenly messengers or transformed figures—e.g., the garments at the transfiguration (Luke 9:29) and at the tomb (Luke 24:4). The verb evokes an image of intense, blinding, outward radiance; not simply brightness, but the sudden, dazzling kind associated with flashes of lightning. The term does not refer to ordinary shining but to extraordinary, supernal brilliance, often signaling divine presence or glory. The usual English renderings like 'glistening,' 'dazzling,' or 'flashing' convey some aspects, but may not fully capture the verb's root imagery of dramatic, lightning-like radiance. In non-biblical Greek, compounds with ἀστράπτω occur infrequently; ἐξαστράπτω is specialized for contexts where an overwhelming and awe-inspiring brightness is noted. Later religious and liturgical traditions have often captured this sense with language of transfigured or glorious light.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐκ and ἀστράπτω; to lighten forth, i.e. (figuratively) to be radiant (of very white garments):--glistening.
Root Family
ἐξαστράπτω (exastraptō) — to flash, to gleam, to radiate
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1823-01 |
ἐξαστράπτων | exastrapton | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
dazzling | flashing forth brilliantly | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1823-01 |
Luke 9:29 | ἐξαστράπτων | exastrapton | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
dazzling | flashing forth brilliantly |